Israel's devastating attack on Iran: Defense Ministry in Tehran destroyed, Bushehr oil depot bombed, 7 Iranian states on high alert
Details of the attack and Israel's claim
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) attacked more than 100 Iranian targets using more than 150 F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles under 'Operation Rising Lion'. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, "We have caused serious damage to Iran's military and nuclear capability. This attack is a response to Iran's 150 missile attacks on Tel Aviv on June 14." The IDF claimed that a key Defense Ministry building in Tehran, Natanz and Fordo nuclear facilities, and ballistic missile production units were destroyed.
Viral videos on social media showed huge flames of fire at Tehran's Shahran Oil Depot and Bushehr Refinery. Israel also claimed that Iran's missile production capacity has been weakened by 60%.
Iran's response and losses
The Iranian state news agency IRNA confirmed that several explosions occurred in Tehran, Bushehr, and Isfahan. Iran's air defense system shot down several Israeli missiles and drones, but a Defense Ministry building and an oil depot suffered heavy damage. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) reported that 138 people were killed in the attack, including 20 military officers and 9 scientists. However, some unofficial sources claimed that IRGC senior commander General Amir Ali Hajizadeh was also killed, which was not confirmed.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called an emergency meeting and said, "The response to this barbarism of Israel will be historic." The Iranian Foreign Ministry demanded immediate action against Israel from the United Nations, calling it a "violation of international law." Iran closed its airspace, and Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon also increased vigilance in their airspace.
Impact on Bushehr and Shahran Oil Depots
The Israeli attack on Bushehr and Shahran oil depots has severely affected Iran's energy supply. According to Reuters, it took more than 12 hours to extinguish the fire at the Bushehr refinery, and the Shahran depot was completely destroyed. Global crude oil prices jumped 15% to $80 a barrel, raising concerns among oil importing countries like India. Iran temporarily suspended oil exports, increasing pressure on the global supply chain.
Regional and global response
Lebanon's Hezbollah launched 30 rocket and drone attacks on Israel's northern region of Galilee and Metula, which were mostly destroyed by Iron Dome. Hezbollah described it as "solidarity with Iran." Jordan denied any military activity in its airspace, but local media claimed that Israeli aircraft entered Iran via Jordan.
US President Donald Trump distanced himself from the attack, but said, "Israel has a right to defend itself." The White House warned Iran not to target US interests. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to exercise restraint but warned that the conflict was a “threat to global peace”. Russia offered to mediate, but Israel and Iran’s tough stance weakened the prospects of peace.
Background and history of tensions
The attack is a response to Iran’s ‘Operation True Promise 3’ on June 14, in which 150 missiles were fired at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Earlier, on June 13, Israel attacked Iran’s Natanz and Fordo nuclear sites. Tensions between Iran and Israel began with the 2010 Stuxnet cyber attack and the killing of several Iranian scientists, for which Iran blamed Israel. In recent months, Israeli attacks on Hezbollah and Iranian bases in Syria further escalated tensions.
Global impact and future
The attack had an immediate impact on the global economy. Indian stock markets fell by 2%, and the rupee slid to 86.30. The surge in oil prices has increased difficulties for India and other importing countries. Fears of retaliation from Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas have increased the risk of a regional war.
Some users on social media claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader was targeted in the attack, but this turned out to be a rumor. Another post said that Iran may soon test nuclear weapons, which has not been confirmed.
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